John McKenzie (New Zealand)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Sir John McKenzie KCMG (1838 - 6 August 1901) was a New Zealand politician. He served as Minister of Lands and Agriculture in the Liberal administration of John Ballance.

Palmerston, New Zealand. The McKenzie cairn is visible on the top of Puketapu, the hill to the right of the picture

McKenzie was born in Ardross, Scotland, and while young saw the hardships caused by the land clearances. He arrived in Otago in 1860, working for Johnny Jones in Waikouaiti. He later farmed near Palmerston. In 1871 he was elected as Member of Parliament for Waihemo. He served as Minister of Lands and Agriculture from 1891 to 1900, when he was forced to retire due to ill-health. During this time he oversaw many land reforms. He was knighted in 1901, but died only six weeks later.

A memorial cairn to McKenzie is sited on top of Puketapu, a prominent hill close to Palmerston. it is a prominent local landmark.

[edit] References

• 'KENZIE, Sir John, K.C.M.G.', from An Encyclopaedia of New Zealand, edited by A. H. McLintock, originally published in 1966
• Sir John McKenzie: Champion of the Small Farmer
• "McKenzie, Sir John." Encyclopædia Britannica

This article about a New Zealand politician is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.